<p>Between $10,500 and $9200, there’s not much difference – the question is whether SU is worth $1300 more of debt, and that amount is negligible -so yes, go to Syracuse in that situation.</p>
<p>But look to shave down the COA in other ways. Do you have a job now? What are you earning? Do you have a job lined up for the summer? The COA presumes a certain cost for housing – does the college offer a cheaper alternative? For example, can you save $1500 over the course of a year by opting for a triple or a less desirable dorm? (Some college have differential room fees, others don’t – some are more flexible about meal plans than others). </p>
<p>The problem with bank loans is that you usually can’t get them without co-signer; they charge higher interest and interest starts running right away, so if you can’t afford to make payments you end up owing a lot more than you borrowed by the time you graduate; they can’t be discharged in bankruptcy; and there are no programs in place that would help you out in the even that you aren’t earning enough after graduation to make your payments. </p>
<p>The federally backed loans might be inconvenient but they probably won’t bury you, because there are various ways that payments can be adjusted or deferred depending on your income situation.</p>